New law to catch those drug-driving in effect from today

POLICE are warning motorists about a new law which comes into effect today, which makes it easier to detect and prosecute drug drivers.

The new offence “driving with certain drugs above specified limits” has been introduced to help police catch those who put the lives of others at risk while driving under the influence of drugs.

The legislation has significantly lowered the acceptable limits of certain drugs in the blood stream, and set a legal limit for officers to test people against.

In the past, officers had to prove people were unfit to drive through drugs by their demeanour and their manner of driving before they could test them, but the new change makes this process much simpler.

Officers are being given roadside testing kits which tests saliva – and if a driver tests positive for drugs they face being arrested and prosecuted, with penalties of a one-year ban, a fine of up to £5,000, or even prison.

Although aimed at those using recreational drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy, a number of prescription drugs, such as Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam, Methadone and Morphine, are also included in the law.